WSF World Junior Squash Championshipshttps://www.wsfworldjuniors.com
18-29 July 2018, Chennai, India
Tue, 05 Mar 2019 11:57:35 +0000 en-GB
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1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.1.1126000439Chinese Taipei to make debut in Malaysiahttps://www.wsfworldjuniors.com/chinese-taipei-debut/
Tue, 05 Mar 2019 11:56:51 +0000https://www.wsfworldjuniors.com/?p=7566Chinese Taipei are set to make their debut in the 2019 WSF Women’s World Junior Team Squash Championship in Malaysia in August.

Hosted by the Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) for the third time since 1993, the biennial World Squash Federation event will take place at the National Squash Centre in the capital Kuala Lumpur from 5-9 August, following the WSF Men’s & Women’s World Junior Individual Championships from 30 July to 4 August.

Eight-time champions Egypt will defend the title they won for a sixth successive time in 2017 in New Zealand, where 2019 hosts Malaysia recorded their best-ever finish as runners-up.

The Women’s World Junior Team Championship will be celebrating its 18th edition since the inaugural event in Ireland in 1985 when Australia emerged as the first champions.

“We are thrilled to be host to these young teams at our superb National Centre facilities at Bukit Jalil,” said Maniam Singaraveloo, Director, SRAM. “And obviously we look forward to a strong finish from the home team.”

]]>7566Malaysia To Host 2019 WSF World Juniorshttps://www.wsfworldjuniors.com/malaysia-to-host-2019/
Fri, 28 Dec 2018 09:57:45 +0000https://www.wsfworldjuniors.com/?p=7539The World Squash Federation has awarded Malaysia the rights to host the World Junior Squash Championships in 2019.

The event, featuring the WSF Women’s World Junior Team Championship from 5th to 9th August and preceded by the Men’s & Women’s WSF World Junior Individual Championships from 30th July to 4th August, will take place at the Bukit Jalil National Squash Centre in Kuala Lumpur, home of the sport’s Commonwealth Games debut in 1998.

Malaysia has hosted several WSF world championships – 2019 marking the third time the Asian nation has staged the Women’s Junior Team event, following the 1993 edition in Kuala Lumpur and 2001 in Penang.

The biennial event was last staged in New Zealand in July 2017 where Egypt won the title for the sixth time in a row, and Malaysia recorded their best-ever finish as runners-up for the third time.

Hot favourites and top seeds Egypt, fielding a team comprised of all the individual medalists, reclaimed the title that they lost in the last event in Poland two years ago, but England certainly gave them their sternest challenge of the tournament.

First up was Marwan Tarek, who had lost the decider in Poland, went on to become individual champion in 2017 and was runner-up here last week, against Nick Wall, England’s only quarter-finalist here.

But the Englishman played well to stay with Tarek all through the first, and the Eyptian’s reaction when he took the lead was indicative if both how much he wanted the win, and how tough that 17-minute game was.

There was a little niggle between the players towards the end of the game with words and looks exchanged. “I understand his frustration, inside the court we all want to win,” said Marwan afterwards. “He said some things to rattle me but I’ve been dealing with banter since I was 12, I know how to deal with it.”

Tarek was always ahead, but never comfortably, through the next two games, kneeling to kiss the floor as he gave his team the lead.

In the second match Sam Todd threatened to give England a lifeline as he matched Omar El Torkey all the way, earning game balls at 10-9 and 11-10.

Egypt’s bronze medalist held his nerve to take the lead, and never looked back as he took the next two game comfortably give Egypt the title – a record sixth.

“We’re so proud and happy,” said the Egyptian coaching team. “The boys have worked so hard for this and they’ve got their reward, bringing Egypt another treble, just like the girls last year.

“This generation has taken over from those recent generations that have done the country so proud, and they have the talent and the desire to dominate the senior ranks in the coming years.

“Thanks to the organisers, the Indian squash federation and all the workers and volunteers that made this a great event that everyone will remember and can be proud of.”

Marwan was particularly pleased : “This win was very important to me, because I know what it’s like to be on the losing end of a final like this one. This win makes up for losing out in the individuals as it’s the only junior trophy that was missing from my trophy cabinet. It’s special that we were able to go through without dropping a single game.”

England coach Lee Drew reflected : We all knew that this was a very strong Egyptian team and that it would be very difficult. The players gave everything and tested the Egyptians, we had chances to win the first game in both matches.

“It’s a great achievement to be runner up at a World Championship, given the last time it was achieved by an English team was back in 2002. Chris [Ryder] and I are immensely proud with the way the squad has performed.”

RIP Graham Prior

Tragedy struck the championship on the final day when South African team manager/coach Graham Prior, the WSF African Coaching Coordinator, collapsed as he was boarding a bus after his team’s tie. It seems he suffered a severe heart attack and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

“The sense of shock, coupled with a complete numbness, is all that one can feel when something like this occurs,” said WSF CEO Andrew Shelley on hearing the news. “Graham was such an esteemed and popular leader amongst coaches, a mentor to so many. While that is how the world of squash know him, it is his family and friends, robbed of Graham so early, that our hearts go out to at this terrible time. He and they will be in everybody’s thoughts, I know.”

Tragedy struck the championship on the final day when South African team manager/coach Graham Prior, the WSF African Coaching Coordinator, collapsed as he was boarding a bus after his team’s tie. It seems he suffered a severe heart attack and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

“The sense of shock, coupled with a complete numbness, is all that one can feel when something like this occurs,” said WSF CEO Andrew Shelley on hearing the news. “Graham was such an esteemed and popular leader amongst coaches, a mentor to so many.

“While that is how the world of squash know him, it is his family and friends, robbed of Graham so early, that our hearts go out to at this terrible time. He and they will be in everybody’s thoughts, I know.”

Egypt and England cruise into Chennai final

Semi-finals day of the WSF World Junior Teams in Chennai saw both favoured teams make their way to the final with something to spare against opponents who simply weren’t given the opportunity to repeat yesterday’s emotional upsets.

Top seeds Egypt made it through to their eighth men’s team final in a row as individual finalists Marwan Tarek and Mostafa Asal despatched their Czech opponents – playing in the teams event for only the second time after their 2008 debut – in under half an hour, the Egyptians’ dominance growing as the matches went on.

“We’re very pleased to be in the final,” said Egyptian coach Ahmed Matany, “the players are very disciplined and are working hard.

“I’m very proud of this generation, they all have the talent and the potential to become the next generation of senior champions, but for now we have to concentrate on winning this title it would be our first back-to-back treble [after the girls’ last year] so it’s very important to keep our focus on the coming final.”

Third seeds England also continued their impressive progress as they made quick work of a USA team that recovered from the brink of defeat yesterday to beat second seeds Canada. There was to be no recovery this time, as Nick Wall and James Wyatt both won in comfortable, undramatic straight games, putting five time champions England into their first final since 2002, also here in Chennai.

“I’m happy with how everyone played, again,” said England coach Lee Drew. “They played well tonight and the team spirit has been brilliant throughout. So many teams are so close, we’ve talked about how important it is to do the right thing on the day and to keep concentrating throughout the entire match, and we’ve managed to do that very well every match so far.

“Everyone is very relaxed, they’re a great bunch of players to work with and they deserve the chance to give it a real go against Egypt tomorrow.”

In the playoff semi-finals New Zealand won another dramatic match in the 9/12 places to beat hosts India, while Canada recovered from yesterday’s disappointment to see off Pakistan in the 5/8 semis.

Tomorrow sees matches for all places from 5th to 24th at the ISA, concluding with the final at Express Avenue Mall.

Czechs stun Malaysia to set up Egypt semi,
England dethrone Pakistan as US stun Canada

A dramatic quarter-finals day in Chennai saw the defending champions beaten, two upset results and a comfortable victory for the hot favourites.

With both pairs of matches split between the Indian Squash Academy and the Express Avenue Mall, top seeds Egypt, fielding Gold Silver and Bronze medalists from the individuals, took on surprise package Hong Kong at the ISA and, predictably, coasted to a 3-0 win in just over an hour’s play.

At the Mall fourth seeds Malaysia met the Czech Republic, the sixth seeds playing the event for just the second time after their debut in 2008. With none of their players having competed in the individual event it was the Czechs who started brightly with Ondrej Vorlicek taking a two-game lead and then racing through the fourth to give the outsiders the lead.

Malaysia threatened a fightback when Darren Pragasam edged the opening game in the second match, but Viktor Byrtus found his way into the match, making use of his physical advantage to take the next three games with increasing authority to propel the Czechs into the semis.

“When the draw came out we felt we could progress, but we didn’t want to get ahead of ourselves,” said the Czech team. “Beating the Swiss yesterday gave us confidence, and we knew we had a chance against Malaysia, but Ondrej and Viktor played so well, both finishing strongly.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be in the semis!” said Czech manager Jan Mutina. “At the start of the tournament we wanted to confirm our seeding, yet we overachieved it which makes us very proud and happy. India provides us with a great service, therefore we would like to thank them, as well as the whole management. In the semifinals we would like to show our viewers that squash is an amazing sport, and that it deserves to be on the Olympic games.”

Defending champions Pakistan, having ousted hosts India in a dramatic upset, couldn’t repeat the feat against third seeds England, for whom James Wyatt and Nick Wall notched up the necessary wins – Wyatt in a wildly fluctuating five-setter, Wall getting the better of four well-contested games – before Pakistan reduced the deficit in the dead rubber.

“It’s great to be in the semis,” said England coach Lee Drew. “Pakistan put up a great fight as you’d expect, they would have picked up a lot from last night’s win here over India.

“James held his nerve well and Nick overcame an opponent who was getting better and better as the match progressed, as well as his own problems [Nick had a break to treat a grazed knee] and did well to close it out.

“It’s a question of getting the right preparation now, whoever we play we know that if we play our best we’re capable of beating any of them.”

For Pakistan the loss represents the end of a run of eight successive finals, for England the win gives them the chance of reaching their first final since 2002.

The final spot in the semis was claimed by the USA after a match of unbelievable drama at the ISA. Having lost their opening knockout match 3-0 to Hong Kong, the eighth-seeded Americans took on neighbours Canada, the second seeds.

Tiber Worth got the USA off to a great start, taking the first two game, only to see Canada’s James Flynn recover to claim yet another Canadian five-game victory.

Canada were on the verge of the semifinals when, leading 2-1 and 10-6 match ball, Julien Gosset stretched for a ball, slipped and went down in a heap clutching his hamstring. After treatment he returned to court, but clearly unable to compete and at at 11-10 down he was forced to concede the match to Daelum Majwi [Julien was later taken to hospital, he’ll be out for the rest of the tournament but will be staying on in Chennai].

In the decider it was USA’s Thomas Rosini who emerged the winner in four games as the US team erupted in delight.

“I’m proud of how our team has performed this week,” said Canada’s coach Jonathan Hill, “obviously today wasn’t the best but the US played some great squash and we’ll look forward to the 5/8 playoffs and rebuilding our team.”

US Coach Simba Muhwati had mixed emotions : “Our hearts go out to Julien, he’d played an amazing match before that injury.

“The emotions involved from Tiber being two-nil up and losing, from Daelum being match ball down and winning, and then Thomas playing so well to put us into the semis!

“It’s a weird place to be, we want to be happy to be in the semis to match our best ever finish, but we feel so much for Julien and Canada.”

In the playoff matches there were significant wins in the 9-16 quarters for Argentina – 3-0 over 7th seeds Colombia – and New Zealand over local rivals Australia, while hosts India got back on the winning trail with a 2-1 win over Germany.

The semi-finals take place at Express Avenue tomorrow at 14.30 (Egypt v Czech Rep.) and 18.00 (England v USA).

After two days of Pool matches it was on to the playoff stages in Chennai with eight quarter-final spots to be decided by matxches at the ISA and Express Avenue Mall.

In the morning session at ISA second seeds Canada were relatively untroubled against Australia despite the first match going the distance. Fourth seeds Malaysia beat Ireland 2-0 but Duncan Yung Yi and Darren Rahul Pragasam both had close 3-1 wins, the first being especially physical.

Hong Kong, having beate USA to claim top spot in their group, claimed another scalp as they beat 7th seeds Colombia in a tense affair. After the first two matches were shared Hon Kong’s Ho Ka Jei seemed to be coasting to victory, but a spirited comeback from Luis Alejandro Mancilla saw the Colombian, spurred on by passionate teammates, put his team on the verge of the quarter-finals with a 10-7 lead in the fifth.

Having lost the first, the Colombian missed two attempted service return kills and the momentum, which he’d held for almost three games, switched to the HK player who delightedly finished it off.

“A few unforced errors in the third turned the whole match around.” said HK coach Dick Leung. “But I’m proud of how he handled the end of a tough match to put us back into the top eight.”

The afternoon session saw top seeds and hot favourites Egypt breeze past Argentina at the Express Avenue Mall, setting up a quarter-final against Hong Kong, while three more places were decided at ISA.

Third and sixth seeds England and Czech Republic beat Germany and Switzerland comfortably while USA and New Zealand were embroiled in a real battle. The Czechs face Malaysia in the quarters.

The Kiwis had beaten Colombia to top their group while the USA had lost to Hong Kong, so while this was 8th v 10th seeds, the Kiwis as group winners started favourites. Thomas Rosini won a see-saw first match in five to put USA ahead then Daelum Mawji came from a game down – and 7-10 down in the fourth – to give USA the victory and put them ‘back’ into the top eight.

The Americans meet neighbours Canada for a place in the semis.

The last match of the day was the much-anticipated clash between hosts and fifth seeds India and 11th-seeded defending champions Pakistan, at Express Avenue of course.

In front of a packed and noisy crowd anticipating India’s first-ever win over their local rivals in this event, it started well as Rahul Baitha took the first game. But Pakistan’s Harris Qasim, playing calm and controlled squash, got the better of a long second game in which both had their chances, then took control in the next two games to put Pakistan ahead.
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In the number one string India’s Yash Fadte also started strongly as he won the opening game, but Abbas Zeb, having saved game ball on the way to winning the second, took control of the match and with Fadte rattled and the crowd quiet, he finished off the match in four to put Pakistan into their 12th quarter-final in a row (they’ve actually been in the final for the last 8 editions).

“We’re just so relieved now,” siad Pakistan’s Coash Mo Yasin, “there was a lot of pressure on us today. Our boys started slowly but they both picked up the pace and I’m proud of how they handled it. The win has given the boys confidence now for the next match against England.”

Despite all the drama, the top four seeds, and six of the top eight, are through to tomorrow’s quarter-finals:

7155Teams Day TWOhttps://www.wsfworldjuniors.com/18-teams-day-two/
Wed, 25 Jul 2018 02:42:27 +0000https://www.wsfworldjuniors.com/?p=7076Germany break into top Sixteen as India and Pakistan set up Express Avenue clash

The second day of the Men’s Team event saw the completion of the Pool stage, and the formulation of the 1-16 and 17-24 playoff draws.

While hot favourites Egypt plus hosts India and England enjoyed a rest day after qualifying for the last sixteen knockout with two wins yesterday, the remaining teams played out day two of the pool stages in 12 matches that would shape the playoff draws.

In the morning session second seeds Canada survived a scare against Argentina, coming from 0-2 down to win the first then needing to win the decider to finish off Group B

Malaysia edged past France in a match of all five-setters, the Malaysians saving match balls in the first before going two up, and the Czech Republic were tested by Pakistan, who, after an evening win over Zimbabwe now face a massive match against India tomorrow night at the Express Avenue Mall.

Ninth seeds Hong Kong produced the upset of the session, easing past eighth-ranked USA with a trio of 3-0 wins.

In the afternoon matches New Zealand followed up yesterday’s upset win over Colombia to beat Qatar and finish top of their group, while Australia, Switzerland and Ireland all won to confirm their places in the last 16.

In the final four pool matches, Hong Kong beat Finland to confirm their top spot while Argentina this time won won a nailbiter, denying Scotland to finish second and earn a shot at Egypt tomorrow afternoon at the Mall.

The evening session at the mall saw Germany edge past France in a dramatic 2-1 finish to become the only team ranked outside the top 16 to reach the playoffs.

Six of tomorrow’s matches are at the ISA, with the top seeds and te hosts taking centre stage in the afternoon and evenin at Express Avenue.

7076Teams Day Onehttps://www.wsfworldjuniors.com/18-teams-day-one/
Tue, 24 Jul 2018 02:48:26 +0000https://www.wsfworldjuniors.com/?p=7008With the Individual Champions crowned, it was on to the Men’s Team event, with the first of two days of Pool matches. There are eight pools of three with the top two in each going through to the last sixteen playoffs

India survive at Express Avenue as Kiwis shock Colombians

While most of the higher seeds recorded comfortable wins on day one, with Egypt, England and India wrapping up their groups with two victories, it was far from easy for the home team, who had to fight back from 1-2 down in the deciding match to deny Switzerland a big upset.

Heavy favourites Egypt, fielding a team consisting of the four individual semifinalists, breezed past Singapore and Australia to pin themselves to the top of the knockout draw.

The only seeding upset of the day saw New Zealand beat 7th seeds Colombia 2-1 to put themselves in pole position in Group G, the South Americans taking the first two matches in five to seal the win.

South Africa hinted at an upset as they took the opening match against England, but the 3rd seeds recovered to win and then beat Ireland 3-0 to seal top spot in Pool C.

The biggest drama of the day came in the evening at the Express Avenue Mall as fifth seeds India, having despatched Saudi Arabia earlier in the day, took on Switzerland aiming to wrap up Group E. The home side took the lead, although Utkarsh Baheti had to recover from 4-8 down in the fourth to prevent a fifth, but the Swiss levelled as Nils Roach won in four.

In the decider between the number ones Yash Fadte took the lead but Yannick Wilhemi stormed back to lead 2-1 and looked the likely winner. Urged on by the home crowd, Yash upped his game and Wilhemi looked to be the one feeling the pressure. Home victory looked certain as Yash led 7-2 in the fifth, but the Swiss closed the gap, getting to 8-9 but ultimately falling just short as the home crowd erupted.

“That was so tense,” said the Indian team later. “In the end it came down to Yash’s fitness and determination, and the crowd probably helped too!”

Day Two sees the conclusion of the Pool stages with the knockout draw to be decided.

Rowan and Mostafa are World Junior Champions

Another Egyptian Double was already assured, in the event we had one repeat and one new champion as Rowan Elaraby and Mostafa Asal claimed the titles in Chennai.

Rowan Elaraby and Hania El Hammamy met in a repeat of their 2016 semifinal and 2017 final – both won by Rowan – and it was the defending champion who got off to a flying start, pulling away to take the first 11-4. Hania held the lead for much of the second, but Rowan finished the stronger to double her advantage 11-9.

Rowan moved steadily ahead in the third, leading 8-4 and then garnered four championship balls at 10-6. Hania played patiently to win two of them, two errors from Rowan and it was extra points. Another error and a stroke to Hania and we were into a fourth.

Rowan led to midgame, then Hania pulled away to lead 9-7. Now it was Rowan’s turn to recover, and this time she only needed one chance as Hania’s ball flew out of court and Rowan was still the champion.

“It feels amazing,” said Rowan, “I’m so happy ! That was my last World Juiniors and if I hadn’t won I know I would have been so sad.

“When I got four match balls in the third I started thinking about my birthday, about celebrating with my friends, I just freaked out and went completely out of the court.

“I knew I had to get back to my game plan and concentrate all the way in the fourth. I almost lost that too, at 9-7 down, I fought really hard to try to make it not go to five.

“Looking at the players who have won it twice, Nicol, Ramy, Raneem, Nour, Marwan, and especially Mohamed, he’s my role model, I cant thank him enough, he’s helped me so much and is always there for me.

“That may be my last junior match, it depends on the British next year, but if it is my last I’m happy to finish with that one!”

The men’s final also featured the defending champion, Marwan Tarek taking on second seed Mostafa Asal, who had gone out in last year’s quarters but after winning a trio of PSA tournaments and the Egyptian National junior titles (U17 and U19) came in as the highest-ranked player and probably the favourite.

It looked that way in the first as Mostafa led throughout to take the lead 11-7. The second was closer, and it was Tarek who moved ahead in the later stages, but couldn’t convert his two game balls as Mostafa took it 13-11.

The third was all Mostafa and with a quick 11-4 a new World Junior Champion was crowned.

“I’m overjoyed to become World Champion,” said Mostafa, “it’s great that we had two all-Egyptian finals.

“I went into the match with confidence knowing I’d won in Egypt, but I really had to fight hard in the second to keep the momentum going.

“Thanks to Marwan for all the battles we had in Egypt, and I hope he has a great time in Harvard, we’ll miss him and he’ll miss us in Egypt! Thanks also to my coaches and family, and everyone who’s supported me, and especially Shaza Tamer.”

“On to the teams now, let’s hope we can get that title back for Egypt.”

The Men’s team event starts tomorrow with two days of Pool matches before the knockout stage.

Top seeds through to two all-Egyptian finals in Chennai

The top seeds in the Men’s and the Women’s events will contest the finals of the WSF World Juniors after today’s semi-finals at the Express Avenue Shopping Mall in Chennai produced four Egyptian winners.

Men’s defending champion Marwan Tarek was fully tested in “the longest match of my life” by compatriot Omar El Torkey, the top seed looking on his way out at 8-4 down in the decider before scoring seven points in a row to return to the final.

The match lasted a marathon 92 minutes – not including a 25-minute break early in the first while court lights were repaired – as they traded the first four games before the tense ending.

“I was three points from going out of the tournament,” said Marwan. “It was long and tough but I don’t regret that, it’s the semifinals of the World Juniors.

“I felt he got a bit tired early in the fifth but he still went ahead. I started thinking about anything but the match and took it point by point. It feels good to have survided that and reach the final again, I hope I’ll play a good match tomorrow, let’s see how it goes …”

Second seed Mostafa Asal had the highest PSA ranking of those here -partly because he’s played more tournaments – but that experience in the senior ranks seems to be paying off as he too registered another three-nil win, over 3/4 seed Mostafa El Serty. None of the games were easy, but Asal rarely looked in trouble.

“I felt comfortable today,” said Asal. “It wasn’t easy but I never felt in real danger. I won the Egyptian U17 and U19 titles with 3-0 wins all through so it’s nice to keep that going!

“Tomorrow it’s mental, whoever’s mentally strongest will win it.”

Women’s defending champion and top seed Rowan Elaraby continued her run of straight-game wins, but as in previous matches this wasn’t a simple three-nil.

Jana Shiha led early in the first before Elaraby stamped her authority to take the lead, and led in the second too before Elaraby once again accelerated to take a 10-7 lead. Shiha saved those game balls, had one of her own, but couldn’t stop Elaraby doubling her lead.

The third was more comfortable as Elaraby eased into her third WJ final in a row.

“It’s always the second game,” said Rowan. “I had no pressure in the first, but I started to feel it in the second. I wanted to win that one, I didn’t want a long match if I was to get to the final.

“I was so happy to win that second, it took the pressure off. I’m pleased to make my third WJ final, and obviously hoping to keep the title.”

The last semifinal featured the only non-Egyptian player of the day, and England’s Lucy Turmell hinted at an upset as she levelled the match at one-all against second seed Hania El Hammamy. The World #20 quickly slammed the door on that possibility as she took the last two games comfortably to reach her second final in a row.

“So happy to be in the final again,” said Hania. “I’m really enjoying the atmosphere in the Mall, and I’m really looking forward to a good match against Rowan tomorrow.”

The finals start at 17.00 on Monday, with the Men’s Plate finals and Women’s 5th/6th from 13.30

Egypt on the Express train in Chennai

It was a great day for Egypt at the Express Avenue Mall in Chennai as they claimed seven of the eight available semi-final places in the 2018 WSF World Juniors.

Top seeds and defending champions Marwan Tarek and Rowan Elaraby started the train rolling as they recorded strait game wins over compatriots Mostafa Montaser and Hana Moataz, both being tested in the first game before accelerating through to the semis.

“It’s great playing in the Mall,” said Marwan, even if I was playing one of my best friends. I’m happy with how I played and feel I’m getting better each round.”

“I really enjoyed playing here,” said Rowan, “I loved the crowd watching from all around. There was a bit of pressure when I was down in the first but I managed to get trough it and I’m really pleased to make a third semi in a row.”

Two more Egyptian wins came as men’s 3/4 seed Omar El Torky and women’s 5/8 Jana Shihah won in contrasting styles. After a cagey opening El Torkey raced through to earn a two game and 9-3 lead against England’s Nick Wall, who closed the gap but it was too late to affect the outcome.

Shihah survived a torrid five setter against Farida Mohamed, who had taken out 3/4 seed Aifa Azman in five yesterday. The first four games were shared before Shihah saw a 10-7 lead in the fifth disappear, and saved a match ball herself before finally closing it out.

“It’s great playing in this venue,” said Jana, but it didn’t feel so good when it got tight in the fifth! Farida and I have played probably 50 times since we were 9, in the semis and finals of events even when we’re playing up an age, so we both knew it was going to be tough.”

“I didn’t want another long match like my last ones,” said a relieved Omar, “it’s always a good match aginst Nick but I felt comfortable, I don’t know what happened at the end when I gave away so many points but thank God I made it through!”

The opening four matches guaranteed Egyptian finalists in the top half of both draws, and Mostafa El Serty made it five for Egypt as he survived in five against Darren Rahul Pragasam. The Malaysian started brightly, and at 2-1 and 10-9 he held a match ball only to see El Serty take te next three points and close out the fifth.

“That was so, so hard,” said Mostafa, I thought I’d lost it and I’m so grateful to come through.”

The Egyptian train was stalled, if not derailed, as England’s Lucy Turmel beat Singapoer’s Sneha Sivakumar, the only unseeded player in the quarterfinals, in straight games.

The final pair of matches featured second seeds and the highest PSA-ranked players in the tournament, Mostafa Asal and Hania El Hammamy. Both won in three games, but Asal needed to recover from 7-10 in the first before beating Mexico’s Leonel Cardenas in tree close games, while Hammamy eased past USA’s Marina Stefanoni.

“I am really happy to be through to the semis and am looking forward to a big test tomorrow,” said the reigning European Junior Champion, England’s first women’s semi-finalist since 2012. “The world championships is a great event and I am looking forward to playing on the glass court in the Mall tomorrow as it is a brilliant venue.”

“I thought I’d lost the first,” said Mostafa, “I played him in the semis in Argentina so I knew it was going to be tough, he plays like a PSA player not a junior. I had a plan, but it was hard to put it in place, I’m just glad to et trough in three.”

Hania, like Elaraby reaching her third WJ semifinal in a row, said: “I’m happy with my performance, especially against such a talented player as Marina. She was pushing me to the front so I was happy to get to every one. Another semi, hopefully I can go one better this time.”